This coming Fourth of July marks
the fourteenth anniversary of
Todayís Caregiver magazine. By
the way, the fourteenth anniversary present is
jewelry. Iím not picky, diamonds, emeralds,
whatever can fit in a mail pouch is fine with me.
In reviewing the past 168 months of publishing, I
am most grateful for the articles, poems and stories
that have been passed over the transom by family
caregivers. No knock on the care
professionals, journalists and writers who have
graced our pages, but nothing compares to the
heartfelt intimacy and wisdom of a story which is
faxed or emailed with the note ďI am not a writer,
so donít laugh, but I just had to share this story.Ē
These are always the articles which get the most
response for their spot-on advice and tremendously
helpful insights. So, keep those cards,
letters and poems coming.

This past week has encompassed one sad passing of a
public figure after another. We send our
condolences to all of these families, from
Ed McMahon, a caregiver and cover interview from
a few years ago, to Farrah Fawcett, Billy Mays, Fred
Travelino and of course, Michael Jackson. For
all we know these people in their public personas,
they also leave behind grieving parents, sons,
daughters and friends who remember them as more than
public figures. The Michael Jackson family
saga also reminds us that no matter how old you are
(or who you are,) there is no better time than the
present to make sure that your family does not have
the burden of trying to uncover your wishes in their
time of grief. Take the time to put your
advanced directives, wills and final wishes
together. Sit with your adult family members to
share your thoughts on these matters and let people
know where the important documents are in case of
emergencies.
After all, the gift of preparation is the greatest
gift you can give your family in their time of need.